Cape Coral launches new emergency notification system

September 10, 2013

The City of Cape Coral is changing the way it contacts and communicates with citizens to pass along emergency information using a new state-of-the-art program that utilizes telephones, email and text messaging.

According to Ellen Seeley, Emergency Management coordinator with the Cape Coral Fire Department, the city is transitioning from the Code Red emergency notification system to ALERT Cape Coral, powered by Everbridge. This transition will take place today, Sept 10.

"An 'all-call' automated message will be going out to all current Code Red users Tuesday afternoon and evening between 4:30 and 9 p.m. notifying them of the change and the need to now register with the ALERT Cape Coral system," said Seeley in a prepared statement. "Our goal is to reach as many people as possible so they can register with the new system."

Residents are strongly encouraged to log on to the City's website to register themselves. A flyer is also available at City Hall and any resident who does not have internet access can go the City Clerk's Front Desk and fill in the form there. The website link is active and everyone can visit the site to sign up and see how the system works.

Residents who cannot access the internet and cannot make it to City Hall can register by telephone by calling (239) 242-3300 beginning Tuesday morning to reach a live person who can help residents fill in the necessary information. Operator Assistants will be working from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday.

The process begins when the City issues a message about a potential safety hazard or concern.

ALERT Cape Coral dials your main contact number or sends an email. If you don't confirm receipt of the message, the system will try to reach your next contact number or email. The system will continue trying to contact until it receives a confirmation from the resident.

"The success of this service relies on our citizens," said Seeley. "Having your most recent contact information is the only way to ensure that we can reach everyone in an emergency."